Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Oscar Ferrero. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Oscar, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

Before coming out with my pickleball business XPickle and The Social Pickleball Club, I encountered some challenging life circumstances that left me feeling devastated. A good friend of mine shared that he actually embraced the sensation of being in such a state. He believed that it was during these moments of pain and adversity that one can find the motivation to pursue actions they might otherwise never consider when comfortably stable. As a result of the sadness I was experiencing at the time, I found the courage to execute my idea and founded XPickle and The Social Pickleball Club with my partner Roberto Guzman.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

XPickle operates as a leading pickleball podcast, focusing on the professional aspects of the sport. We specialize in conducting in-depth interviews with top-ranked professional players like Connor Garnett, Federico Staksrud, Jaume Martinez Vich, as well as prominent pickleball business owners such as Adrian Montoya, a Forbes 30 under 30 entrepreneur, and Tim Klitch, co-owner of the Texas Ranchers and co-founder of the Austin Pickleball Ranch. Our mission is to provide valuable insights into the world of professional pickleball and share the stories of key personalities in the sport.

Also, we are on the verge of launching the XPickle Academy, which will offer even more in-depth insights and educational content for pickleball enthusiasts.

On the other hand, The Social Pickleball Club is dedicated to promoting pickleball in Austin, Texas, through a series of engaging events. We have partnered with the i app SweatPals to organize our pickleball meet-ups, making it effortless for pickleball enthusiasts to discover and join our events. This partnership aims to create a convenient platform for players to enjoy the sport, experience its vibrant atmosphere, and connect with fellow pickleball enthusiasts.

Collaboration is at the heart of our approach, and we proudly engage in partnerships with various brands, including pickleball facilities, paddle manufacturers, and clothing brands. These collaborations are designed to enhance brand visibility and contribute to the growth of pickleball’s popularity.”

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

Roberto and I initially connected through social media due to our shared passion for renewable energy. Also, our mutual interest in the pickleball industry was evident from our frequent posts about playing pickleball. This commonality sparked my curiosity, and I reached out to him to explore potential collaboration opportunities.

We scheduled a call to discuss how we could synergize our expertise and ideas within the pickleball world. Little did we know that this initial conversation would evolve into a deep and unbreakable bond. Today, Roberto is not just my business partner; he has become one of my closest and most cherished friends. We talk to each other every day, sharing not only professional insights but also the joys and challenges of life, making our connection truly special.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

In order to effectively engage with others and bring about positive change, it’s essential to empathize with them by placing ourselves in their shoes. This means understanding their perspectives, feelings, and experiences, which can be a crucial first step in fostering a sense of connection and cooperation.

By empathizing, we create a foundation of trust and openness, enabling us to guide and support them in aligning their actions and behavior with the desired outcomes. When managing a team, we become more than just observers; we become mentors and coaches who lead by example.

Being a role model involves embodying the qualities, values, and behaviors we wish to see in others. When we consistently demonstrate these attributes, we inspire those around us to emulate them. In doing so, we not only influence positive change but also contribute to a culture of growth, improvement, and shared values, ultimately leading to a more harmonious and productive environment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sweatpals.com/host/2136039f-0296-4c4d-9611-6a84efc6ed35
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xpickle.us/
• Facebook: Xtra.Pickle
• Twitter: Xpickle_ball
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@XPickle